Bar Lin: In Ukraine, the pace of the game is higher than in Israel, there is more dynamics

To your attention, part of the exclusive material from the official match program for the game of the 4th round of the UPL 2025\2026 "Kryvbas" - "Obolon", when the Israeli midfielder of the red and whites Bar Lin answered our questions.

- On your pages on social networks you can see the phrase: "Prove to everyone who doubted". Is this your life credo or rather an emotional response to a specific situation?

- I would say that this is my motto. People always like to say something bad. The point is not to pay attention to the negative. You need to do your job as best as possible and not listen to what others say. You just need to move forward and prove to everyone who did not believe in you that they were wrong. There are always haters - when you play well, and when not so much. But I never pay attention to it. The most important thing is not to stop, not to go either to the right or to the left, but simply forward. If you get distracted, it will only harm your future success.

- What has been the most noticeable difference between the Ukrainian and Israeli championships for you?

- In Ukraine, the pace of the game is higher, more dynamic. Because of this, it is sometimes easier to lose the ball - everything is very fast. In Israel, there is more technology, but less intensity. In addition, in Israel we usually play in the evening - because of the heat. It is better to play there at such a time. As for the atmosphere in the stadium - in my country the stadiums are always full - about 20,000 fans. In Ukraine, the situation is a little different because of the war. But even now, with a small number of fans, we feel their crazy support - it is very pleasant and valuable.

- Have you ever felt that on the field you are a different version of yourself? How does Bar Lin change during the game?

- Yes, on the field I am more serious, as focused as possible. I want to win, I am very hungry for results. And off the field - I am cheerful, I like to joke, to do stupid things. But even on the field I try to keep a little of this inner lightness - because I play not because of work, but because I love football.

- You once said that you love Neymar so much that you are ready to wear a T-shirt with his name on it to your own wedding. Is that still relevant?

- Yes! This is the best form for me - better than Louis Vuitton! People often don't like Neymar, but despite everything he always shows his highest level. Despite injuries, hate, pressure - he has always been No. 1 on the field. This inspires me.

- You seem like a person with a good sense of humor and openness to people. How important is humor in football for you?

- Very important. Humor helps you communicate better with the team. And communication is the key to a good game. It also helps to reduce pressure, to cope with mistakes. I play not only for the sake of winning - but because I love it. Humor and seriousness can exist together.

Read the full version of the interview in the official match program for the game "Kryvbas" - "Obolon". You can order this and other programs at the official website of the Fan-shop, or by writing in Direct link to the official page of the Kryvbas FC Fan Shop on Instagram.

Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih